Ramadan Etiqutte for non-Muslims expats living in Qatar and other similar Arabian countries

1. RAMADAN will start soon…
Understanding its Etiquettes for
non-Muslims
Dr Hend Al Muftah
DFI,24-7-2011

2. - Why Ramadan?
- How Ramadan
Work?
- Ramadan day…
- Garangaoo!!
- Do’s & Don’t
-Q&A

3. What do you know about Ramadan???

4. Why Ramadan?
 The month Al-Quran was revealed by
Allah to Prophet Mohammad (pbuh)
 Fasting is one of the 5 pillars of Islam
The 9th month of the Islamic calendar
Ramadan is a religious festivals &
ends with Eid Al Fiter Festival

5. Of Ramadan
• To rid us of those “bad” habits…
• Teaches us discipline & self control …
• Time for forgiveness…
• Caring for other people…specially
suffering…
• To reform ourselves…
• Create a bond with Allah that will continue

6. Allah is not in need of any person to leave
his food or drink or desires…
But we need to do so …
Discipline, Merits & Rewards
Forgiveness, Solidarity

7. How Ramadan Work?
• Begins with the sighting of the
crescent moon & lasts for 29/30 days
depending on the lunar cycle
• Incorporates physical & spiritual aspects
– Fasting from morning to dusk …
– Worship & Pray … @ mosque , charitable activities,
Zakat…
– … Just being a “good” HUMAN…

8. Ramadan @ Doha
• The city/malls will be glowing with twinkling
lights
• Many signs in English & Arabic saying
“Ramadan Kareem.”
• Adjusted working hours, late morning &
evening best time 4 shopping
• Stores/hotels have special foods, special
offerings
People are joyful

9. Typical day During Ramadan
Suhoor
Fasting
Iftar
Taraweeh

10. Suhoor!
Getting up midnight
Eat & probably read Quran
 Pray Al Fajar
Don’t be surprised that
some Muslims might be a little bit
grumpy, quiet or much slower in
performing tasks while fasting
This is due to the adjustment
period of fasting & sleeping 

11. Fasting!

12. Iftar!
Time 4 breaking fasting
Iftar cannon
Collective/Group Iftar
Sharing meals
-It is a kind gesture to present Muslims
with packages of dates or some type of
sweet/food during day/after Iftar...
Dangerous traffic hours 

13. Taraweeh!!
• Special evening pray only in
Ramadan
• Muslims (adults & children) pray @
mosque
– Mosque Services..
Cars park everywhere
during/after Taraweeh @ mosques
& malls, completely blocked roads
with parked cars is JUST normal 

14. Garangaoo
- Traditional celebration
similar festival to Halloween
- kids everywhere 
-14th of Ramadan

15. Garangao Girga oh song…
Give us what God gave you
To Mecca he’ll take you
The greatly filled Mecca
Covered with tassels, gold
and light
Give us what God have given
Abdulla greets you with
smiles
Please give us a bit of sweets

16. End of Ramadan…Qiyam
• The last 10 days of Ramadan
starts becoming very religious
& festive…
• Late night praying (Qyiam
pray)
• Shops are open till late time
• People like to shop for Eid

17. Do’s… @ work
• Before Ramadan…Do not be shy
or hesitant to wish Muslims
“Ramadan Kareem” …
• Do not get into arguments with
fasting colleagues; be patient
and show consideration for the
long hours of fasting.

18. Do’s.. @ Elsewhere…
• Modest dress & respected behavior
• Rather than be impatient if a
question/service is not answered/met
immediately, smile & be
patient…Demonstrate understanding
• Try to involve yourself in the spirit of the
month. Saying 'Ramadan Kareem‘ &
attending Iftar with other Muslim colleagues,
or visiting local attractions as Souq Waqef,
Katara, etc.

19. Don’ts...
• Eat, smoke, or drink anywhere in
public (including your car) during
fasting hours
• Offer a Muslim food or drink
during fasting hours believing it is
necessary towards hospitality.
• Smoke or have alcoholic beverages
in the presence or around a
Muslim during Ramadan, even
after Iftar..

20. Don’ts…
• Dance or sing in public at any time, even
after sunset when cafe and restaurants are
open.
• Play loud music that might disturb your
neighbors.
• Display physical affection (hugging,
kissing) in public
• Get upset that your neighbors eat and
socialize at midnight. The day begins after
Iftar (sunset) and it is normal to see
individuals up all night.

21. Some Ramadan Greetings…
Some useful Ramadan phrases:
Ramadan Kareem: Happy Ramadan
Ramadan Mubarak: Ramadan blessings.
Siam Maqbool wa Iftar shahee: Well fasted
and enjoy breaking fast. (to be said at sunset)
Kul sana wa inta tayyib: Every year you are
fine

23. Don’t !
Enjoy Ramadan experience

24. Tanks 4 Your Attention
Q&A